Marvel Hires XXX Screenwriter For Iron Fist Movie

Oh, okay; it’s not that kind of XXX screenwriter, sadly (But it makes a great headline, right?). Marvel Studios have hired Rich Wilkes, the scriptwriter behind the Vin Diesel/Ice Cube franchise xXx, to write a movie based upon the company’s 1970s kung-fu character Iron Fist, according to Deadline Hollywood.

The character, who first appeared in 1974’s Marvel Premiere #15, had remained a fan-favorite for years despite intermittent appearances. After a long run as part of the cult Power Man and Iron Fist book, the character was killed off when the series was canceled in 1986, before returning a few years later in, of all places, the Namor series and his own short-lived series (The longest-running of which, The Immortal Iron Fist, ended last year). These days, the character enjoys a relatively high profile as part of the New Avengers series and the current Shadowland crossover event, but expect even more appearances as his movie nears release.

Iron Fist is the third new property Marvel Studios seems to be planning as part of their post-Avengers plans, alongside Runaways and Ant-Man; Doctor Strange has been rumored to be announced soon, as well.